SPIKE
You listen to me. (kneels in front of her) I've been alive a bit longer than you, and dead a lot longer than that. I've seen things you couldn't imagine, and done things I prefer you didn't. I don't exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. I follow my blood, which doesn't exactly rush in the direction of my brain. So I make a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls. (looks into her eyes) A 100+ years, and there's only one thing I've ever been sure of: you. (Buffy looks away; he reaches toward her face) Hey, look at me. I'm not asking you for anything. When I say, "I love you," it's not because I want you or because I can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. (a tear rolls down Buffy's cheek) I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You're a hell of a woman. You're the one, Buffy.
BUFFY
(quietly) I don't wanna be the one.
SPIKE
I don't wanna be this good looking and athletic. We all have crosses to bear. (Buffy chuckles) You get some rest now. I'll check in before first light. You can decide how you want... (walks toward the door)
BUFFY
Spike? (he turns to face her) Could you...stay here?
SPIKE
Sure. (looks at a chair) That diabolical old torture device, the comfy chair. (takes off his coat) It'll do me fine.
BUFFY
No, I mean...here. (touches the bed beside her) Will you just hold me?
